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Radiographic techniques in renal parenchymal disease.
1Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Nephrologists can use advanced imaging like sonography and MRI to monitor patients with chronic kidney disease. These less-invasive methods help detect complications such as acquired cystic kidney disease and renal cell carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Patients with chronic renal failure undergoing dialysis are at increased risk for kidney complications.
- Acquired cystic kidney disease and renal cell carcinoma are significant risks for long-term dialysis patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight advancements in less-invasive imaging modalities for assessing kidneys in chronic renal failure patients.
- To discuss the utility of new contrast agents and Doppler sonography in nephrology.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent developments in imaging technologies, including lower osmolar contrast media, sonography, and MRI.
- Application of Duplex Doppler sonography to measure the resistive index in renal arcuate vessels.
Main Results:
- Lower osmolar contrast media offer improved renal safety, allowing their use when procedural benefits outweigh risks.
- Duplex Doppler sonography's resistive index is effective for assessing renal allograft rejection and diagnosing obstruction.
Conclusions:
- Advanced imaging modalities provide safer and more effective ways to evaluate kidney health in patients with chronic renal failure.
- The resistive index is a valuable tool for diagnosing renal obstruction and holds potential for other renal disease processes.